how to wipe a computer before selling it

#How to wipe a computer before selling it how to
#How to wipe a computer before selling it serial numbers
#How to wipe a computer before selling it install
#How to wipe a computer before selling it serial
#How to wipe a computer before selling it Pc

Search through the list for your software you’re looking for, and press F3 until you see the serial numbers.

Press Windows +R on your keyboard to open the Run menu.

Alternatively, you can search for them manually within Windows:

#How to wipe a computer before selling it serial numbers

If you don’t have the serial numbers located in an online account or on an order receipt, there are third-party tools, like Belarc and LicenseCrawler, that can help you find them on your computer.

#How to wipe a computer before selling it Pc

That way, you can delete it from the PC you’re getting rid of, and the new owner will not be able to use that software.

#How to wipe a computer before selling it install

This will enable you to install your purchased software on your new device.

Save Your Software Serial Numbers or Activation Codes This can take some time, depending on how much material you have to save.

Save your records, documents, photos, and videos on an external hard drive or flash drive before you wipe the computer clean. Follow these steps for a fool-proof deletion process that will keep your information safe: 1. 4 Steps to Completely Wipe Your PCįortunately, wiping your PC is relatively simple. That’s why you should always completely wipe a PC before you sell it, give it away, or even throw it away or recycle it.

#How to wipe a computer before selling it how to

They know how to find the files you thought you deleted, and they know how to work quickly once they have the information in hand. These thieves are innovative and experienced.

Get medical or dental care under your insurance.

Use your name and information to open new credit cards or bank accounts.

Access your social security number and steal your identity.

Make purchases with your credit card information.

Sell your phone number, email address, or home address to any number of companies.

Blackmail you with threats to share details of private conversations.

Share your business secrets with competitors.

What Bad Actors Do With Your Informationĭepending what you have on your computer, a hacker or a thief can use the information in a variety of ways: Those files can be recovered, and the wrong person can use that info to steal from you, access accounts and other records, or even blackmail you. It’s not enough to simply delete your files.

Purchasing software that you will want to use on your new device, which you will need to remove from the old one so you can install it on your new one.

Saving some passwords for frequently used accounts in the browser so you don’t have to type them in every time.

Typing in dozens of passwords - and maybe even keeping a document of those passwords you were inclined to forget.

Keeping your financial, health, and other records along with letters or notes containing private information and conversations.

Putting your credit card information into a number of websites.

Think about the life of your computer and everything you’ve done on it, including: Our PCs have more stored information about us than we might originally believe. This guide explains how to completely wipe a PC and why it’s so important. Clearing your PC is relatively simple and could save you a lot of trouble down the road. Even if the recipient is a trusted friend, you don’t know where your computer will end up next or who else might have access to it.ĭon’t take those kinds of chances with your personal information. Handing it over as-is can give the new user access to your private information - even on files you thought you deleted - as well as all the software you purchased and installed.

Go into “Settings” > “General” > “Transfer or Reset iPhone” and select “Erase All Content and Settings.If you’re looking to sell, give away, or otherwise recycle your computer, you’ll need to know how to completely wipe a PC.

Tap on “Sign Out” in the upper-right corner and then again on the “Are you sure?” pop-up window.

Assuming you’ve backed everything up and are about to wipe your phone, you don’t need to toggle anything on.

You’ll be asked if you want to keep a copy of your data on this iPhone.

Select “Settings” > top button > “Sign Out” (at the bottom of the page).

Unpair any devices from your phone, including your Apple Watch.

Disable “Find My iPhone” by going to “Settings” > “Find My” > “Find My Phone” and toggling “Find My Phone” and “Find My Network” to off.Not only do you want to keep personal information from falling into the wrong hands, but let’s face it: nobody’s going to want a phone with your old selfies on it.Īfter you’ve transferred all of your data to a new phone (or, if you’re not getting a new phone, backed your data up), here’s how to wipe your iPhone: Get rid of a few identifiable features Whether you’re trading in your old iPhone for a discount on a new one, selling it, giving it away, or recycling it, you’re going to want to erase all of your data first.